LOVE GOD OR BE LOST FOREVER

Sunday, November 18, 2017.

​

​Author: Bishop Julius Okarike

Verse Of The Day: Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelations 2 : 4 – 5

LISTEN: Our love for God will produce love for man. True love for God is evidenced by sincere love for others. Hence, when we fail the test of love we have failed in everything. Beloved, when we refused to love God and man, we have chosen to be lost forever. In our verse of the day it is obvious that no matter our service to God, without love we are still incomplete in our service to Him. Beloved, love is the main thing. Our good works, prayer, or service cannot replace love for God. In His letter of revelations to the church of God in Ephesus through John the apostle, Jesus Christ commended their labour, faithfulness and service to Him, but condemned the neglect of their first love.(Revelations 2 : 1 – 5). Jesus Christ wants us to love God with the whole of our hearts. Beloved, are we truly loving Christ? Are we doing what we can, everything we can, and possibly denying ourselves to please Him? Are we determined to learn new things about Him because we want to please Him? We must evaluate ourselves on this.

God is not happy when we neglect or refuse to love Him. Love for Him and others are the summary of His commandments to us. When we love, we demonstrate our true loyalty to Him. The Bible clearly declares that no matter what we do for God or our fellow men without love, it is all useless. (1 Corinthians 13 : 1 – 3). Love is the heartbeat and nature of God. (1 John 4 : 8). Hence, to neglect to love Him is to reject to obey Him. Beloved, how much do you love God? How much of your time, energy and resources do you give to Him? Where does He occupy in your heart? Do you give Him the first place above all else, or you have relegated Him to the background? Henceforth, let us allow God have the first place in our lives. Let Him be the object of our affection as we serve Him in truth and in Spirit all the days of our lives. Remember, not to love God is to be lost forever.

Having read today’s devotional, what is expected of you.1. Determine to love God wholeheartedly and refuse to disobey Him no matter what.2. Do not neglect the fear of God, instead, honour and fear Him.3. Demonstrate your loyalty to God by your love for Him and others.4. Determine to give God the first place in your life no matter what.

Daily Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you because you love us unconditionally. Therefore, help me to truly love you and others in return, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Daily Task: Beloved, determine to make God the object of your affection and serve Him in truth and in Spirit all the days of your life.

Daily Reflection: Love is the main thing. Our good works, prayer, or service to God cannot replace love for Him and others. So love Him heartily.

Daily Quote: True love for God is evidenced by sincere love for others; and he who fails the test of love has failed in everything.

Today In History: November 18, 1626 St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome is officially dedicated.

SAY THIS: Today, I declare that I will love and serve God heartily with my time, talents and treasures. Henceforth, I refuse to serve Him without commitment and dedication. I will serve Him as long as I live, in Jesus’ name,

Daily Prophetic Declaration: You will make a difference. Today, I prophesy to you, may you love God and others heartily; and may God in turn shower you with His blessings, in Jesus’ name.